Bauer DPS

Chris, I remember that the guys at Musicline in Germany were quite keen on the Bauer DPS, even having one as an analogue source for their demos at the Munich show some years back.  I did take a listen but it's always difficult under show conditions.  It sported a Naim Aro, which Willi Bauer reputedly rather liked and felt complemented his turntable well.  You could mail Musicline and ask them their impressions...

Chris Bell posted:

Curious to get opinions in the Bauer DPS turntable?  How does it compare to the LP-12?  I've read all of the reviews and posts online but I am curious to hear owners take on this design.  The Bauer is certainly a very beautiful piece of hi-fi.  

I'm in the USA, it appears that Ayre stopped importing it... they also made a power supply for it.  

Thanks. 

for the price i would take a rega p10 or vpi prime. The lp12 is too expensive for me, you can have an sme20/3 for a price of top lp12.  The bauer have acrylic platter and the price seems also expensive for what it is.  A vpi prime with sds controller is a serious turntable.

but it is only my opinion.

Hi Chris,

 I am a longtime dps owner and can give you some impressions, but no meaningful comparison to the LP12. While I had one myself, it was pre-circus, Valhalla driven and fitted with an Ittok II and Asaka. As you can probably guess, that was quite a while ago. It was replaced by a Pink Anniversary, which I regard as better in pretty much every way. Some 10+ years ago I bought the Bauer. Its design is based on both the Well Tempered and Pink Triangle tables with some ideas of Willi Bauer. If you have read Art Dudleys review, you should have a pretty good idea. Pretty much every part has been updated once or twice during that time. Only the platter, chassis, one half of the bearing and the feet are unchanged. Not unlike the LP 12 in this regard, I'd say. Every update has been retrofittable so far and each made it a better player.

 I had several tonearms on it, some Grahams, a Schroeder and the Aro. Unless they have the same geometry, you need a new top plate for new arm. Fortunately those are inexpensive. My main cartridges were an Urushi and the Transfiguration Temper. The dps allowed all of them to be their selves while just being there. You can, or at least could, get a special top plate for the Aro, which allows a precise, if somehow fiddly, adjustment of the overhang. One of the nice things is, that there is no suspension to worry about. Once everything is set up properly, you can just let it play and enjoy your music. You can place it on pretty much anything stable and level, although you are safer on the solid and heavy side.

 The only issue I had was a defective Ayre psu, one of the few 230V models.

If you like more informations, mail Willi himself. He is a very nice and friendly guy. We have an ongoing conversation about his rack and loudspeakers. If you mention this to him, he will know instantly who I am .

I have one with the DPS Bauer tonearm (like Aro).  I also have an LP12 which will soon be upgraded to Klimax spec.  I really like the Bauer.  I do not believe Ayre is still importing these but I think I read somewhere that the PS Bauer builds has a 120V selection.  I would agree Willi is very friendly and happy to reply to emails from the US.  I think if you have a chance to try one go for it.

Chris,

You might send an email to a dealer that sells and supports both these turntables and get some feedback. Cymbiosis might be a good place to start...

ATB,

Mark

Thanks kindly for all of the responses.  Willi and I have been in contact and will speak soon.  I'm hoping to get opinions from DPS owners and their thoughts on the sound of the DPS, especially in comparison to the LP12.  Yes, I'd be using an ARO with it. 

Bumping this topic to see if any other DPS owners could share their thoughts?   Thanks!